We would all probably say that we could do with saving a bit of money here and there. Cutting back on costs, putting more cash into savings, cleaning up those statements. Here are some top tips on how to save money at home.
Mortgages & Rent
Could you negotiate a cheaper rental agreement when your contract is coming to an end? Could you save yourself a few percentage points in your mortgage when it’s up for renewal by remortgaging on a different offer? Mortgages and rents are a huge part of monthly outgoings so saving even £20 a month could make a huge difference. £20 a month over 12 months is £240. What could that go towards?
Coin Jar
We have a huge money box where we put our spare change. A coin jar is a great idea. Empty it every now and then and see what you’ve saved. We always have a look at what’s been put in there before we head to the coast as we usually go the arcade. Plenty of two pence pieces make their way into the coin jar so can be used at the penny slot machines. We even had enough in there to get a take away the other day. £2 went back in as we didn’t spend it all!
Cook Instead Of Ordering
Whilst I state above that we ordered a takeaway with some cash from the coin jar, it’s much cheaper to cook your own food. As much as I love Chinese takeaways, they’re pretty easy to cook yourself. Often tastier too! When it comes to pizza, Domino’s are ridiculously priced. I’ve recently found an amazing range of pizzas at Iceland for £1.75 each. Absolute bargain and they are delicious and filling. Compared to 2 pizzas for nearly £20 at takeaways, you can get 2 pizzas for less than a fiver!
Shop At The Right Time Of Year
Be sure to shop at the right time of year. Don’t by a BBQ during the summer. Get it after summer when they’re discounted. Different things are on sale at different times of the year. This is perfect for Christmas presents too. When you see things on offer that you’d get for people at Christmas, even if it’s February, get it and put it away.
Organise Your Kitchen Cupboards
Are you kitchen cupboards in order? If you can’t see what you have, you might end up buying more than you need. Organising your pantry can help you to avoid food waste by using what you have before it goes out of date.
Make A Budget & Stick To It
You might ask yourself how to save money at home, how other people can do it and why you find it hard when they find it easy. One of the best ways is to make a budget and stick to the budget. Don’t see the budget as something that can be pushed or altered. If you’ve spent your £400 budget this month, there’s a week left and you see something you want for £20. It’s only a week you might think. You’ll take it out of next months budget? Don’t do it. If you don’t have the passion and ability to stick to your budget, there’s no point in having one. Budgeting will save you money in the long run.
Check out these Easy Tips and Home Projects to Help You Save Money.
Coffee Shop At Home
I’m not saying to step up an actual coffee shop in your front room, but cutting out popping to Starbucks thrice a week can easily save you £15. Invest in decent coffee beans and a cafetiere and you’ll be saving money from week one. Think about what you could do with an extra £60 a month. Overpay your mortgage or put it into a rainy day fund.
Cut Back On Subscriptions
Netflix? Spotify? Amazon Prime? What do you actually use enough every month to justify the cost? Maybe remove all but one. You might want to keep your TV subscription as you watch it a lot, but could you go to the free version of your music streaming service? What’s a few ads between songs?! This is all without talking about the gym membership you pay for every month! Cut back and save cash!
Get Rid Of Junk
If you get rid of the clutter in your home, you can sell what you don’t want to make extra money. You’ll also see what you actually have so you don’t end up buying duplicates. Clutter often gets piled up in corners of the room or in front of radiators which mean your room won’t warm up as well. Your mental health can easily be bothered by mess, get rid of the junk!
Lights & Heat
Turn off the lights when you’re not in the room. Makes sense doesn’t it? Save energy and save money. Watch a film in the front room with the lights off for an at-home cinema experience! You can also turn your thermostat down by even half a degree to save some cash. Put on an extra pair of socks if you’re cold!
Make Your Own
This covers many things. Make your own lunch to take to work, saving money on Tesco meal deals. Create your own artwork for display in your home – maybe you’re a keen photographer? Perhaps you could make your own curtains? Make your own gifts and greetings cards too, everyone loves the personal touch!
Shop Second Hand
You can find loads of fantastic clothing items in charity shops and on eBay. If you need a winter coat, does it need to be brand new? Discover character outfits and retro clothing at bargain prices in charity shops! Kids go through shoes so quickly, if you find a pair for a few quid which will just get caked in mud when your children run through the boggy part of the park, get them!
Plan Family Evenings
Rather than paying for a babysitter and paying for some pints in the pub, have a family night at one of your houses. A bottle of wine, some affordable frozen food to chuck in the oven and good chat and laughs while the kids play together. Great memories and hardly any cost!
Cost Saving Conclusion
Do you want more? Are you still asking how to save money at home? These are just a few ways that you could be pinching some pennies and investing your pounds in your savings. You don’t have to spend money to have a good time and these top tips aren’t all boring, they can actually be more fun than the obvious. Save your top money saving at home tips with me over on Twitter.
